‘We will have a new one, we won’t let the mindless actions of one person defeat us’: Community rallies to replace vandalised defibrillator

A number of events have taken place in Derry to raise funds for new defibrillator at a store in the Waterside area of the city which was targeted by a mindless vandal at the weekend.

There was widespread shock and anger in the city earlier this week after CCTV footage emerged of a young man removing, then destroying the life saving device from its storage container mounted at the Curry’s Spar store in the Church Meadow in the Rossdowney Road area.

In an attempt to catch the thug responsible for the damage, the store posted the CCTV footage on its Facebook page, and has to date been viewed 146,000 times and shared by almost 3,000 people.

The store has also released a number of new close-up images of the young man (pictured) responsible for destroying the community defibrillator, which was put in place two months ago and can be used to revive someone in the event of a cardiac arrest.

The £1,500 needed to pay for the defibrillator was made available as a result of a number of fund raising activities organised by Curry’s Spar and those living in the surrounding area.

Speaking to the Derry News, store manager Richard Campbell, said t efforts were now underway to purchase a new defibrillator to replace the device which was destroyed.

He added the online response was indicative of the support they had received after the incident was made public.

“The response we’ve received has been unbelievable, people were very angry and upset by this was reflected on our Facebook page,” he said.

“Not only that, but so many people have called into the shop expressing their frustration at what’s happened.

“At the beginning of the week, we were thinking about what out next step would be, and we could only really think of one thing, which was putting a new defibrillator in its place.”

He added: “We’ve had so many offers from people looking to help us out, so we’re now planning out a few fundraisers, including a raffle, which will get on us on the way.

“We will have a new one, we won’t let the mindless actions of one person defeat us and take away such a vital piece of equipment which was put there to help the community, who in turn helped pay for it.”

Meanwhile, the PSNI has renewed its appeal for information about the incident.

Inspector Gregory Smyth said: “I am appealing for anyone who has any information about this incident to contact police in Strand Road by calling 101 and quoting reference number 445 of 21/08/16. Information can also be passed anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”